A few simple steps can help protect your car from thieves

In April, the federal government announced plans to introduce legislation to crack down on auto theft. This is a move our industry applauds, and it's a step in the right direction.

Auto theft is a major problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, a vehicle is stolen, on average, every three minutes in this country. It costs taxpayers, police, insurance companies and the government more than $1 billion annually.

If passed, this new legislation will make it a crime to "alter, destroy or remove a vehicle's identification number." It also seeks to expand the criminal definition of trafficking in stolen property to include various activities relating to stolen cars and car parts.

This legislation is meant to target criminal organizations, which steal vehicles, alter the identification numbers and then sell them to unsuspecting customers. In many cases, stolen vehicles are stripped down and sold for parts.

It's estimated that one out of every five vehicles stolen in Canada is linked to organized crime, and more than 30 per cent of all stolen vehicles are shipped to other countries (high-end sport utility vehicles and luxury sedans are the segments most targeted for export).

There are two main reasons why auto theft is so prevalent. It's highly profitable, and the penalties for convictions are relatively minor.

Auto theft can strike anywhere and at any time. Thieves routinely target airport parking lots and shopping malls. Vehicles are stolen from driveways, garages, coffee shops, gas stations, roadways, and store parking lots.

In many cases, thieves use sophisticated tools and tactics to snag their prey. A car thief's job is made easier when keys are left in the ignition, or when a car is left idling and unattended.

We've all heard stories about people who leave their cars running while they pop into a variety store, only to discover their cars gone when they return. It happens all the time.

What about when customers bring their vehicles to a new-car dealership for service? Are the cars safe?

Yes, dealerships are very security-conscious with their own, and customers' vehicles. High-tech security systems and tracking procedures minimize the risk of vehicle theft.

Key security is one area where dealerships are particularly vigilant. Most dealers will not cut a duplicate key without insisting on seeing proper identification.

It's great that the government is getting tough on car thieves. But there are steps consumers can take to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of auto theft.

Here are a few practical tips I've learned over the years:

Keep your car keys out of sight at all times. Don't hang them from keyboards at home. And never leave them in the ignition while your car is unattended.

Park in well-lit and busy areas.

Lock your doors and close your windows when you are away from the car. An open door or window is an open invitation to thieves.

Avoid leaving ownership and insurance documents in your car. Thieves will use this information to steal your identify.

Don't leave information about your key code in the glove box (or anywhere in the car).

Install an immobilizer. This device shuts down the vehicle's main circuit and prevents it from being started and driven away without the proper key.

Some insurance companies may even offer a discount for vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices. As of last September, all new vehicles must be equipped with an immobilizer.

For more information about protecting your vehicles from theft, contact your insurance company or the police.

This column represents the views of TADA. Email: president@tada.ca or visit www.tada.ca.

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